I remember her being irritated about that — a small flash of ordinary seven-year-old annoyance in the middle of everything — and then she put it back on and started on the right.

She peeled the insole up at the heel and slid two fingers underneath.

And she brought out a plastic oral syringe.

If you have ever given a child liquid medicine you have held one.

Clear barrel, no needle, purple or white plunger, graduated in milliliters up the side.

They come free with the bottle.